the blog of LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange

Citizen dialog for transparent process

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Where is the speed zone ordinance? @ LCC 2011-01-10

Lowndes County won't install speed control devices:
policy or ordinance or "decision", by whom and when?
And where is the speed zone ordinance they passed in January 2011,
according to the
Work Session Minutes of 10 January 2011:

Adoption of the Revised Speed Zone Ordinance,

County Engineer, Mike Fletcher,
presented the Commission with a revised speed zone ordinance
in accordance with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
requirements. Mr. Fletcher added that 2 once approved, staff would send
the document back to GDOT for execution. Commissioner Evans questioned
the speed limit on Boring Pond Road. Mr. Fletcher explained that since
the road has been paved, the new ordinance will allow for the new speed
to be posted at 45 mph and 55 mph. Mr. Fletcher added that prior to the
road being paved, the speed limit was 35 mph. Commissioner Raines asked
if the document was a county ordinance. Mr. Fletcher replied yes, adding
while the county can make certain recommendations, GDOT prepares the draft
in accordance with their regulations.

Chairman Paulk asked Mr. Fletcher
to provide those in attendance with a short explanation of speed control
devices. Mr. Fletcher explained that in the 1990's a previous Commission
made the decision that speed control devices would not be allowed
on county roads due to maintenance and safety issues. Mr. Fletcher
added that over time that decision has become policy.

Commissioner
Powell stated he had received a request from citizens to increase the
speed limit on portions of Old Clyattville Road to 55 mph. Mr. Fletcher
replied that due to the curb and gutter installed on the road, he would
not recommend it. Mr. Fletcher added he would be glad to check with GDOT
to see what the state's recommendation might be. Commissioner Powell
asked Mr. Fletcher to move forward with contacting GDOT.

When "in the 1990's" was this Commission decision made?
In which minutes can we see the vote and the text of this decision?

And how is policy made?
By the Commission in an open meeting, or by the staff
at some unspecified "over time"?